Donald Trump Wants Your Vote Even If You're Literally About to Die

Let Stephen Colbert explain.

By
Jack Holmes

Stephen Colbert touched on a few of Donald Trump's recent escapades last night. First, there was his visit to an elementary school to frighten some first graders and, in Colbert's estimation, "borrow some gloves." But then there was his attempt at what you might call terminally ill outreach. At a rally this week, Trump implored everyone, even if they've got two weeks to live, to hold on just a little bit longer so they can...vote for him.

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"I don't care how sick you are. I don't care if you just came back from the doctor, and he gave you the worst possible prognosis, meaning it's over. You won't be around in two weeks. Doesn't matter. Hang out 'til November 8. Get out and vote."

This is a novel campaign slogan: I don't care if you live or die. Vote for me! But as Colbert hints, this stunning display of empathy actually points to something larger in the Trump phenomenon. At some point, a section of his support went from protest voters to kamikaze ones. They don't just want to send the system a message, they want to tear it down—and they're frustrated enough that they don't much care what takes its place. It's change for change's sake, with a rampaging know-nothing as the wrecking ball. Or, as Colbert put it: "If I've gotta go, I'm taking you all with me."

Perhaps the most constructive lesson of Trumpism is that people out in the country are this frustrated—and justifiably so, in many cases. Our more normal political leaders would do well to take notice. "I think Donald Trump has finally found his core demographic," Colbert said, "People who will not be alive for his administration." It seems far too many people who will be alive for it have the same attitude. Someone needs to show them another way.